A Syracuse University professor will be arraigned in court today on a sexual misconduct charge.

Adam Banks, an assistant professor in the SU Writing Program, was charged with sexual misconduct on Nov. 8, said Lt. Joe Cecile of Syracuse Police.

Cecile could not provide any details about the charge, including the specific complaints made by the victim, because of Syracuse Police’s policy on sex-related crimes. However, details about the victim’s statements may be read in court today, he said.

Banks received a ticket to appear in court for his arraignment when he was charged with the crime earlier in the month, Cecile said.

Kevin Morrow, director of SU News Services, said the university could not comment on SU personnel matters, but he did confirm that Banks is still employed by the university.

Banks said he is currently working on finding legal representation and plans to fight the charges. He would not comment on who filed the complaint of sexual misconduct against him.

‘The charges (are) unfounded,’ Banks said.

Morrow said if an SU faculty member receives a criminal charge, SU Human Resources works in conjunction with the University Senate to investigate the matter. The accused faculty member is then able to respond to the accusations before a final decision is made.

According to New York state law, a person is guilty of sexual misconduct when he or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person without consent or engages in oral or anal sexual conduct without consent.

Banks’ arraignment is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. today in Syracuse City Court.

Published on November 29, 2005 at 12:00 pm